Laurence Ruet, Sculpteur des Poupées
“It’s always been hard for me to explain why I work in this type of sculpture, rather than in other forms of art,” says Laurence Ruet. “I have never really found the answer to that question. I’m self-taught, I function mostly by instinct, and I try to provide an element of emotion for those who regard my work.” Among those emotions is certainly great pleasure, and a full measure of amazement at the hyperrealistic dolls Ruet sculpts in polymer resin, each one unique, each designed and dressed entirely by hand.
Ruet’s dolls range from newborn infants—including a baby angel with wings—to kindergarten age. Their sizes range from “mini-bébés” starting at some eight inches long to a nearly life-size 22 inches tall.
All are individually shaped by hand in malleable polymer resin, and then fired in an oven, like ceramics. There are no molds, so copies are impossible—even Ruet herself cannot make an exact copy of any of her dolls. The faces, arms and legs are painted in acrylic, the eyes are glass, the hair is mohair or, in some instances, real hair, and Ruet makes all the clothing, accessories and even the shoes herself. She has a predilection for freckles—they add to the lifelike impression, she says—and although she has made many redheads in the past, she currently favors brunettes. It takes about two weeks for Ruet to complete a new doll, although the time varies a lot: “the facial expression is the hardest—sometimes it can take days to get the right expression.” Most of her dolls are timeless and dressed in classic clothing, although one delightful boy and girl made in 2005 were inspired by the children in the celebrated 1940s and 1950s photos of Robert Doisneau. And many of her dolls hold their own small dolls or teddy bears.
Ruet’s dolls are not toys, however, but collectors’ items, each signed with her initials. They are shown at certain artisans’ exhibits and on Ruet’s website, and are available only directly from the artist, who is based in Dijon.
Prices range from about €450 to €1600. 03.80.70.96.21. website
Originally published in the December 2010 issue of France Today
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